EPPI-Mapper: A Comprehensive Evidence Map for Civic Tech in Africa

EPPI-Mapper: A Comprehensive Evidence Map for Civic Tech in Africa

In today's digital age, the use of technology in governance and civil society has become increasingly prevalent. Civic tech, defined as the appropriate and effective use of digital innovation in connecting government and citizens, has the potential to revolutionize public participation, transparency, accountability, and the delivery of public services. To better understand the landscape of civic tech in the African context and improve support, decision-making, and advocacy in this area, the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN) and the South Africa Centre for Evidence (SACE) collaborated to create the EPPI-Mapper, an evidence map.

The EPPI-Mapper is the result of a systematic process that involved six stages. The first stage involved developing a framework to evaluate interventions and outcomes within the civic tech domain. This framework provided a basis for assessing the effectiveness and impact of various civic tech initiatives. The second stage focused on determining what constitutes relevant evidence for inclusion in the map. This step ensured that the evidence base was comprehensive and representative of the African civic tech sector.

The third stage involved searching for evidence from a variety of sources. The team behind the EPPI-Mapper scoured academic outputs such as journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. They also included empirical reports from international and national institutions, such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. Additionally, reports, practice papers, and impact evaluations from civic sector organizations, including NGOs and CBOs, were included. Finally, reflections from and interviews with civic tech actors, such as key blog articles, interviews, case studies, and methodological reflections, were also incorporated into the evidence base.

To facilitate the collection, screening, and categorization of literature sources, the EPPI-Mapper utilized the Eppi Reviewer software. This software streamlined the process and ensured that all relevant evidence was appropriately categorized and extracted. The outcome of this rigorous process is an intuitive, visual, and interactive tool that provides an overview of the existing evidence of civic tech research in Africa.

By analyzing the distribution of research and the number of studies conducted within specific research scopes, the EPPI-Mapper not only highlights areas where research is abundant but also reveals gaps in evidence. These gaps indicate where research on particular themes is scarce and can serve as a roadmap for future research and decision-making in the field of civic tech. The EPPI-Mapper is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners looking to engage with and contribute to the advancement of civic tech in Africa.

In reflecting on the EPPI-Mapper and its implications for the field of civic tech, it is worthwhile to draw parallels with Descartes' "Discourse on the Method." Descartes, a renowned philosopher, emphasized the importance of conquering oneself rather than relying on external factors such as fortune. This notion resonates with the ethos of civic tech, as it highlights the need for individuals and organizations to take ownership and responsibility for driving positive change through technology.

Moreover, Descartes' belief in focusing on one's own thoughts and desires aligns with the aim of the EPPI-Mapper to provide an evidence base that empowers stakeholders in the civic tech sector to make informed decisions. By consolidating and presenting research findings in a user-friendly manner, the EPPI-Mapper enables individuals to critically assess the effectiveness of different civic tech interventions and tailor their approaches accordingly.

In conclusion, the EPPI-Mapper is a groundbreaking initiative that fills a crucial gap in the African civic tech ecosystem. By providing a comprehensive evidence base, it equips researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with the necessary tools to drive meaningful change. To leverage the potential of civic tech in Africa, it is essential to embrace three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Foster collaboration: The success of civic tech relies on strong partnerships and collaboration between government, civil society organizations, and technology experts. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, share knowledge, and amplify their impact.

2. Prioritize inclusivity: Civic tech initiatives should prioritize inclusivity and ensure that marginalized communities have equal access to digital tools and platforms. By addressing the digital divide, we can bridge existing gaps and empower all citizens to participate actively in governance and decision-making processes.

3. Embrace evidence-based decision-making: The EPPI-Mapper serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based decision-making in the civic tech field. Policymakers and practitioners should leverage the insights provided by the evidence map to inform their strategies and interventions, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful outcomes.

By following these three pieces of advice and leveraging the insights provided by the EPPI-Mapper, we can collectively unlock the transformative potential of civic tech in Africa and create a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable society.